Overview
Follow the legacy of some of Europe’s great composers as your choir, band, or orchestra performs in Budapest and Vienna. Explore Budapest’s grand architecture and musical landmarks before traveling through charming Bratislava to beautiful Vienna, where the House of Music, the Musikverein, and the world of Mozart bring the city’s musical heritage to life.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Hungary (Budapest)
Day 2
Arrive in Budapest
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Budapest city walk
Explore Budapest's historic Old Town on a guided walking tour. Highlights include the State Archives, Lord's Street, Mihály Táncsics Street, and Holy Trinity Square. Visit the Budapest Hilton, where medieval ruins and 13th-century artefacts uncovered during construction have been incorporated into the hotel's design.
Day 3
Hungarian State Opera House guided visit
Step inside the historic Hungarian State Opera House, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and home to Hungary's premier opera and ballet company since 1884. Discover its magnificent interiors while learning about its rich musical history and lasting cultural significance.
Budapest guided sightseeing tour
Discover Budapest with a local guide, starting with a ride on the Castle Hill funicular to the Royal Palace in historic Buda. See the Hungarian Parliament lined with 90 statues, then visit Matthias Church, known for its vivid painted interior, before taking in sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion.
Day 4
Hungarian State Opera House guided visit
Step inside the historic Hungarian State Opera House, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and home to Hungary's premier opera and ballet company since 1884. Discover its magnificent interiors while learning about its rich musical history and lasting cultural significance.
Budapest guided sightseeing tour
Discover Budapest with a local guide, starting with a ride on the Castle Hill funicular to the Royal Palace in historic Buda. See the Hungarian Parliament lined with 90 statues, then visit Matthias Church, known for its vivid painted interior, before taking in sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion.
Day 5
Travel to Vienna
Bratislava city walk
Explore Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, on a guided city walk through its historic center. Pass through Michael’s Gate, the city’s last remaining medieval entrance, and visit Hlavné Námestie, the vibrant town square. Spot the whimsical Čumil statue, a playful bronze figure emerging from a manhole.
Day 6
Vienna guided sightseeing tour
Explore Vienna’s imperial past with a guided visit to the Hofburg, the historic seat of the Habsburgs. Continue to the elegant Belvedere Palace before viewing the famed Vienna Opera House. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, then end your tour at Schönbrunn Palace, where young Mozart once performed for Marie Antoinette.
Mythos Mozart museum visit
Step into Mozart's world at the historic site where he spent the final year of his life. Through a blend of music, art, light, and interactive technology, Mythos Mozart offers an immersive experience that brings the composer's story, creativity, and lasting influence to life.
Day 7
Vienna Masterclass
Experience an immersive music workshop with Wiener Musikseminar, tailored to your ensemble's goals and repertoire. Work with experienced conductors, professors, or professional musicians on a pre-selected piece, participate in a focused skills session, and take part in a Q&A exploring performance techniques, musical interpretation, and life as a musician.
Haus der Musik visit
This interactive museum is located in the former home of Otto Nicolai, founder of the Vienna Philharmonic. Explore the lives of classical composers, compose your own waltz, and discover the science behind sound and hearing. Step onto a virtual conductor’s podium to lead the Vienna Philharmonic, and receive feedback from the musicians themselves.
Musikverein guided visit
Visit Vienna's Musikverein, home to the world-famous Golden Hall, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and as the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Discover one of the world's most renowned concert venues, including its impressive organ, rebuilt in 2011.
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Czech Republic
Extend your tour with two days in Prague. Walk through Malá Strana and the Jewish Quarter, then explore the city’s landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour, including Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Peace Wall, and Prague Castle. Visit the Rudolfinum for a guided tour of Dvořák Hall and explore the Rudolfinum Gallery.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Scenes from Budapest and Vienna
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.